CHAPTER II
THE COMMON FORM FOR ABSOLUTION
1. As a priest is about to absolve a penitent (after having enjoined a salutary penance on him and the latter accepting it) he begins by saying:
May almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and lead you to everlasting life. R.: Amen.
2. Next he raises the right hand toward the penitent and says:
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, absolution,  and remission of your sins. R.: Amen.
Form for Absolution
May our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you. And I by His authority release you from every bond of excommunication (suspension) and interdict, in so far as I am empowered and you have need. And now I absolve you from your sins; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. R.: Amen.
3. If the penitent is a layman the word suspension is omitted. A bishop in absolving makes the threefold sign of the cross.
Prayer of Indulgence
May the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of the blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, and all the good you do and the suffering you endure, gain for you the remission of your sins, increase of grace, and the reward of everlasting life. R.: Amen.
4. For a good reason it suffices to say the form "May our Lord," etc., and the other prayers given above may be omitted.
5. In case of urgent necessity such as danger of death, the priest may use the short form:
I absolve you from all censures and from your sins; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. R.: Amen.
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SECTION: Rite for absolving from excommunication 
Penance - General Rules
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